Confessions of a new VBS director

[Tina]

Hello friends, I'm directing VBS for the first time (the first VBS my church has done in 22 years) and very excited. I am thankful for all the posts I have read here so far. You all sound amazing and I'm getting lots of great ideas from you.

The SonWorld Adventure Park theme was chosen and purchased by others before I arrived on the scene, and although I like it, here is my question. does anyone feel it's a bit confusing? I don't understand how William, the Princess and all the other characters relate to the Bible stories. (Yes, we're only 2 months away from VBS and I'm only just now getting familiar with the curriculum - but please bear with me.) I only helped with VBS once before (at another church, in another state) and felt the theme overpowered the message of the Bible stories; I often wondered how much the kids were retaining as far as the actual Scriptures were concerned, rather than just the fun themes and craft ideas. I really want the focus to be on what the kids will learn from the Bible stories, so does anyone have any advice or thoughts on this? I think I need to simplify everything a bit - at least this first time.

Thanks, everyone!

[Sherri in GA]

The skit characters are used to show how the daily lessons are implemented in everyday life. They are not used to teach the Bible lesson (there are Bible skits offered as well); rather, they are a way, yes, to get the children's attention, and a way to help the children relate the lessons to their daily life. What I have found is that if you use the things that GL provides for you to say, it will all connect together. For example, in the opening assembly, things for you to say are given so that the skit will lead seamlessly to the day's topic, then to a prayer, then to a Bible verse (or not necessarily in that order).

Also, in the craft book and usually in the snacks info, there are things to say that connect it to the lesson. If not, it's pretty easy to do; all the workers simply need to look at every part of VBS - even the fun parts like games - as teachable moments.

A main part that the children will soak in and remember is the music. Most of the songs are straight from scripture - so the children will be hiding God's Word in their hearts along with a catchy tune that they will be singing years from now. I know this from firsthand experience! I recommend sending home CDs of the music with each family; it's an expense you won't regret if you can swing it.

GL's Bible lessons are very well done and really reach children where they are, in large part by teaching to all learning styles - visual, tactile, etc. And one thing I'm doing this year is I've already begun putting the main theme verse on everything - it's been in the bulletin for several weeks now. That's something I've not done before and should have.

It does look confusing at first, and VBS has changed a lot from when I was a child. "This is not your parents' VBS!" I will just give you one more example from personal experience. We did our first Gospel Light VBS in 1999, and it was a little overwhelming and confusing at first. I look back and realize I didn't have a great view of the big picture. However, that was the best year - there was such a sweet spirit throughout the halls of the church. That year set the tone for the rest to come of excitement and cooperation. It's "Yay, it's time for VBS!" not "Oh no! VBS again!"

Using their plan, you can make it as complex or simple as you want - I never do everything, and add some different things that fit our church or area. Pray about how best to make it fit your church - you have a good, solid curriculum. Now have fun!

[janethenley]

;)The skit is what gets the kids involved, they come on time so they won't miss anything... The music is always great... just do what you feel lead to do, you can't do it all. I usually do my own crafts, snacks... and use a mix of the other suggestions. Enjoy!

[Tina]

Thank you both for your very helpful advice. I am really enjoying making plans and getting things set up for all my workers. This forum is great.

[jruckman]

Ok, so worst case scenario, they don't remember the actual Bible story. What do they remember? Probably as Sherri said, the music (including lyrics that really get the message across), but also they'll most definitely remember that your church is a place where they can play and have fun and feel safe and loved and respected. Not a bad thing!
Janet

[TrinityJen]

Hey Tina, Welcome!

I hope your heart is finding the answers you were looking for. Make sure your teachers know what you think is important. I found some years the teachers didn't even know what the memory verse was, how could they be teaching it to the kids!

There are the daily choices, the memory verses, the overall memory verse, and the Bible stories, they will remember something. and as jruckman said, they will have fun and know Jesus loves them.

To me directing VBS is to be a sower, you plant the seed, but you don't know what or when it will grow. It is in God's hand and we have to keep giving it all back to Him. He will tell us what to do.

Have a great VBS!!!!

[Tina]

...especially TrinityJen, for your helpful answers. I appreciate everyone's input. I've decided it's very important to me that all the staff are familiar with each day's story and Bible verse, so they can help reinforce the truths in every part of the children's VBS experience, and that all of the staff participate fully in the opening and closing assemblies, so that they can be a good example to the kids.

It's coming together. Whoo-hoo!

[youthgumc]

Just to reinforce what TrinityJen said - I stressed with my staff how important it was to reinforce the Bible story/Daily Choice at each rotation. Then at closing assembly I would start to "remember" the Bible story (incorectly) and the kids would correct me. It was AWESOME. They know the Daily Choices and at the end could recite all of them. We memorized together the theme verse and they had that one 2 days later at church too!! Here is just one example from crafts - Day 3 we made string wrapped pencils - why? When we ask for forgiveness, Jesus erases our sins and they are gone forever.

Again, I think making sure the rotation leaders make everything they do point to Jesus is the most important.

[Tina]

Again, I think making sure the rotation leaders make everything they do point to Jesus is the most important.

You expressed exactly what I have been feeling! Thanks!

[TrinityJen]

This thread helped me to remember what this is all about!